[NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Metro - Accessibility Update - 7000 Series Trains

Sat Jul 28 18:03:11 UTC 2018

Good afternoon!

Please see the below important safety announcement about Metro's 7000 series cars. 
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Brian Miller
President
Greater Alexandria Chapter 
NFB of Virginia

-----Original Message-----
From: Blake, Christiaan P. 
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 4:05 PM
To: access 
Subject: Metro - Accessibility Update - 7000 Series Trains

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Accessibility Update

The Best Ride in the Nation

July 27, 2018

7000 Series Railcar

Between-Car-Barriers

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     When Metro introduced the 7000-series rail cars, in addition to a number of accessibility enhancements, the trains featured a new dual between-car-barrier (BCB) design. The BCB design included chains (Photo A) and new rubber clamshell BCB’s (Photo B) that alternate between each set of railcars. The original BCB design was fully compliant with the American with Disabilities Act.

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Photo A – Chain Barrier

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Photo B – Rubber Barrier

In September 2016, based on feedback from disability community stakeholders and the regulatory agency, WMATA made the decision to retrofit all 7000-series trains. The planned retrofit involves removing all of the rubber BCBs and replacing them with the chain BCB, which will result in having a chain BCB between all cars on 7000-series trains. At the time of this decision, the retrofit project was expected to be completed within 8-15 months. However, design challenges and a limited supply of parts have caused an unexpected delay in this project, which is now scheduled to be completed by May 2019. WMATA continues to work with its railcar manufacturer in an effort to expedite the completion of this retrofit.

Recent Barrier

Awareness Initiatives

While Metro continues to work with the manufacturer of the 7000-series trains to retrofit the BCBs, the agency is taking several immediate steps to better inform the traveling public about the dual BCBs, and to increase the awareness of the rubber BCBs.

Barrier Contrast

Metro has begun applying a multi-color contrast (Photo C) to the 7000-series rubber BCBs. The contrast is intended to bring more awareness of the barriers to all customers, but especially for individuals with low vision. The contrast will help customers recognize that the opening is not a door opening, but instead is the space between two railcars. The application of this contrast to all 7000-series rubber BCBs will be completed by mid-August.

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Photo C – Multi-Color Contrast on Rubber Barrier

Announcements
Station Announcements
Inside each Metrorail station two safety messages aimed at informing customers about the 7000-series trains are being aired periodically, at least once every 30 minutes each. One message highlights safe boarding through the technique/practice of having customers first “Find the Floor”, and the second message specifically informs and highlights for customers the dual BCBs found on 7000-series trains, as well as emphasizing the need to “Find the Floor”.

Train Announcements
On Sunday, July 8th, operators of 7000-series trains began announcing "This is a 7000-series train" across the external speakers of the trains. This announcement is being made at every station once a train comes to a complete stop. By July 23rd, this announcement was installed as an automated announcement on all 7000-series trains. Please keep in mind that this announcement is only temporary. It will be ended upon completion of the BCB retrofit project.

The train announcement is intended to complement the station announcements, and heighten the awareness of all customers, but especially those who are blind/low vision, to the fact that they are about to board a train with dual BCBs.

Safety is Metro’s number one priority. While Metro created a BCB design that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and passed several safety reviews, we have listened to our customers and stakeholders and are making the changes to the 7000-series BCBs that have been suggested to us.

Upcoming Accessibility Advisory Committee Meetings

Accessibility Advisory Committee – Full Committee Meeting

September 4, 2018; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Accessibility Advisory Committee – Bus & Rail Subcommittee Meeting

September 13, 2018; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Accessibility Advisory Committee - MetroAccess Subcommittee Meeting

September 20, 2018; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held at Metro’s Headquarters  Building

600 Fifth Street, NW

Washington DC 20001

All Accessibility AAC and subcommittee meetings are now being streamed live via BlueJeans. Please download the free Bluejeans app. Please contact our office at 202-962-1100 on or near the meeting date to obtain the meeting room number.

Please share with others.
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